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As technology evolves, accidents may occur because human-system interactions were not considered adequately in the process. A systematic methodology can be used to evaluate the causes of mishaps and to develop recommendations that will enhance safety. A recent trend observed in underground coal mining is used to illustrate this principle because an underground mine is a dynamic work environment. Mining is characterized not only by frequent geologic changes but by technological evolution that can seriously degrade human performance and compromise worker health and safety The case exemplified in this paper involves implementation of remotely controlled equipment for extended cut mining. Extended cut mining technology evolved with minimal ergonomic consideration even though the change from on¬board to remote machine operation dramatically modified the role of the human component. In response to concern that system interactions should be examined more closely. a methodology was developed to identify hazards.

The most hazardous work environments share one feature in common: constant change. Many different, but constantly changing hazards are found in agriculture, construction, mining, and transport. This dynamic feature of work-place hazards varies by: (1...

Since 1990 and the publication of the Ergonomics Program Management Guidelines for Meatpacking Plants by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, numerous reports of companies implementing ergonomics program have been published. However,...

Almost every process has a predecessor, and studying the predecessor helps to define needs and shortcomings to be addressed in the new design. It also suggests what information is needed by the users in order for them to be able to operate safely and...

Remote operation of continuous mining machines has enhanced the health and safety of underground miners in many respects; however, numerous fatal and non-fatal continuous miner struck-by accidents have occurred. In an effort to prevent these injuries...

The topic of motor vehicle crashes among the elderly is dynamic and multi-faceted requiring a comprehensive and synergistic approach to intervention planning. This approach must be based on the values of a given population as well as health statistic...